Kukla's Korner Hockey

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Saturday the signing of defenseman Alexei Emelin to a two-year contract (2012-13 and 2013-14). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The 6’2’’, 219 lbs defenseman completed his first season with the Canadiens in the NHL in 2011-12. Emelin, 26, recorded seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in 67 games, tallying one of his goals on the penalty kill. He added 62 shots on goal and served 30 penalty minutes, and averaged 17:17 of ice time per game. Emelin led the Canadiens with 236 hits, ranking first among NHL rookie defensemen and fourth among league defensemen. He blocked 88 shots, finishing sixth among rookie defensemen in the NHL.